The Silver Rider Program was established in 2002 through a collaboration between non-profit rural public transit, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), and Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTCSNV). The Southern Nevada Transit Coalition (SNTC) was formed to address the needs of all communities for transportation in Southern Nevada. Initially, it started with a desk in the Senior Center, offering door-to-door services to the community. SNTC currently offers services in the following communities: Laughlin, Mesquite, Boulder City, Searchlight, Cal-Nev-Ari, Palm Gardens, Sandy Valley, Goodsprings, and Indian Springs.
The primary beneficiaries of the Silver Rider Program are the residents of Boulder City, including those who require paratransit services. The program ensures that everyone, regardless of their mobility challenges, has access to reliable transportation.
A typical day for the Silver Rider team is bustling with activity. With three vehicles on the road, the drivers manage between 1,200 to 1,800 rides a month. Success for the Silver Rider Program is measured by ridership numbers. The more people they help, the more successful they consider their efforts. The service operates seven days a week, from 7:30AM to 7:30PM, with limited hours on weekends. Weekend hours are Saturday from 10:00AM to 6:00PM and Sundays from 8:00AM to 4:00PM. They even make trips to Henderson twice a week (more about that below)!
One of the biggest challenges the program faces is funding. To expand services and continue meeting the community’s needs, more financial support is essential. Local representatives meet with elected officials regularly to discuss funding needs. Looking ahead, the Silver Rider Program aims to continue its collaboration with NDOT, RTCSNV, and local entities to further expand and improve its services.
The Silver Rider Program prides itself on exceptional customer service. The emphasis on customer satisfaction highlights the program’s positive impact on the community.
In response to changing times and new technologies, the program will be incorporating green vehicles like hybrids and electric vehicles. They are also planning to introduce a new reservation system to enhance service efficiency.
The program actively engages with the broader community by partnering with other non-profit organizations to provide shopping opportunities and other services.
Partnerships with vendors, RTCSNV, and NDOT are crucial to the program’s success. These collaborations ensure that the Silver Rider Program can continue to serve the community effectively.
The Silver Rider Program is for everyone, not just seniors! Solo riders must be at least 8 years old. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. At just $2 per ride, it offers an affordable and reliable transportation option for all residents of Boulder City. Rides to Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino and Hoover Dam Lodge are $4 per rider. Passes are also available for $20 and are available from the office or any driver. Trips to Henderson are scheduled Monday and Thursday and require reservations. The cost is $5 for members of the Senior Center and $7 for the general public. The Silver Rider leaves at 7:00AM and returns at 4:00PM those days.
You can schedule your own ride by calling (702) 894-4190 or by emailing in advance by clicking HERE. For more information about the program, you can access an informational brochure HERE.
